Issues with council
Comments
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Sorry, I'm confused and I don't understand what this has to do with PIP, which is what this thread is about.
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@Thunderbird it would have been better to start your own thread with your question because it causes confusion when asking questions on other threads not related to your question.
Surely they sent a decision letter with the reasons why your housing benefit and council tax reduction stopped?
Apart from state pension what other benefits exactly are you both claiming?
Are either of you receiving any other pensions?
Do either of you have any savings/capital, such as other properties that you don’t live in?
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Thunderbird, have you contacted Shelter for free legal advice and advocacy?
Your situation sounds appalling. My local authority is unscrupulous so I believe you!
If you contact community_scope they will create a new thread for you 🙂
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I would happily try to advise you but you haven't answered one single question that I asked you. I can't help without all of that information.
I'd advise you to get some expert advice from an agency near you.
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Perhaps it's the same council or one of many but they don't admit fault do they? Instructing a solicitor is what they expect us to do.
For housing and because of your ages, Shelter should advise you at the very least. Try them again and stick to the facts.
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I asked you some question yesterday about your circumstances. The reason I'm asking the questions is to determine whether there was any entitlement to housing benefit and council tax reduction. I don't know anything about your circumstances so I can't assume there was entitlement.
I'll copy and paste the questions below…
Surely they sent a decision letter with the reasons why your housing benefit and council tax reduction stopped?
Apart from state pension what other benefits exactly are you both claiming?
Are either of you receiving any other pensions?
Do either of you have any savings/capital, such as other properties that you don’t live in?
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Perhaps contact your local Councillor and speak to them and present them with all the evidence. They should then act on your behalf maybe
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Hi again Thunderbird,
When I was trying to help my elderly neighbour (with Alzheimer's) with her rent arrears and court summons for CT arrears, I saw on her HB and CTB statements that our local authority had assessed her entitlement using her monthly pension as a weekly income leaving her underpaid for both benefits.
I pointed this out to our welfare officer who told me not to get involved. She was moved to a care home. They do know what they're doing to vulnerable people and it's wicked.
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@Thunderbird I'm sorry but I can't give you any advice because despite asking you twice for more information, you still haven't specifically answered my questions.
It's not that people here don't believe you but you still need to answer the questions if you want some advice.
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I am very sorry to hear about the financial difficulties you and your wife are experiencing due to the unexpected stoppage of your benefits, especially since your circumstances have not changed. As disabled pensioners relying on state pensions, it is deeply troubling that you are facing challenges in getting support from the LBBD.
It’s unfortunate that you did not provide the information Poppy requested, as her extensive knowledge of the benefits system could have been very helpful to you.
You didn’t mention whether you have any family members who could offer support. While I do not have knowledge of the benefits system, I understand it can be very complex. Like Floof, I strongly recommend seeking help from your local councillor, in matters such as these they are better placed to support you than your MP. They can advocate on your behalf with the council and work to resolve the issues you are facing.
Councillors are there to provide support and advice to individuals within their community. They can help residents navigate local services, access support, and resolve issues with council services, including housing problems, benefits issues, and other local authority matters.
However, it’s essential that you provide your councillor with all the necessary documentation so they can effectively assist you in resolving this situation as quickly as possible. Wishing you and your wife all the best.
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I've made it clear in 2 previous comments on this thread. You've responded on the thread but have failed to answer these questions every time. [Removed by moderator]
Apart from state pension what other benefits exactly are you both claiming?
Are either of you receiving any other pensions? (apart from state pension)
Do either of you have any savings/capital? do you own any properties that you don’t live in?
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See Poppy's reply above.
Understanding why the housing benefit and council tax reduction were stopped is vital to identify the underlying issue. The decision letter should detail the reasons and any potential errors or changes in circumstances that led to the benefit cessation. Knowing all the benefits being claimed helps Poppy assess your complete financial situation, as some benefits might affect eligibility for others or indicate changes that need to be addressed.
Details about additional pensions are also important, as they can impact benefit eligibility and amounts. Similarly, savings or other properties are taken into account when determining benefit eligibility, with higher levels of capital or additional properties potentially influencing your financial support assessment.
By gathering this information, Poppy will be better equipped to offer accurate advice.
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Whilst your frustrations toward the council regarding your predicament are plain to read, the questions posed by poppy are succinct and clear. If you provide straightforward/succinct answers to those questions without any of the surrounding narrative, she is likely to be a good source of assistance/support to you - as she is with everyone else on this forum.
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I do not believe Thunderbird’s post is rude. It’s important to consider the context and the challenges Thunderbird is facing, rather than focusing on the perceived tone. When people are stressed or confused, their reactions might come across as brusque or impatient, even if they do not intend to be disrespectful.
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Yes very true I've felt that myself
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Thunderbird, I suggest you paste and copy these concerns into a new thread because it's losing shape here…
I want to add that my neighbour only became ill when these documents began arriving. She was mobile, witty, bright and independent and went into decline sharply.
Also that my own HB/CTB claim was mismanaged under the new IT system and the paperwork that followed is staggering. Claimants of working-age are being denied entitlement and their lives turned upside down but this must be so much harder for you as pensioners to deal with.
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Poppy, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for everything you do. Despite your own challenges, you consistently dedicate countless hours and effort to supporting others. Please do not let any negative comments affect you. Your unwavering support and positive presence in our community are immensely valuable and inspiring to many of us. Your generosity, kindness, and compassion truly make a difference. Thank you for all that you do.
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I'm very saddened to see an adverse comment against poppy whom many of us know helps many people here, particularly where benefits are concerned.
I think we all appreciate that @Thunderbird has had a very difficult time trying to sort this all out, & everyone has tried to be supportive.
The only thing I can think of personally as perhaps possibly being helpful, is that you can check what your Council tax band should be here: & see what supporting evidence you need to challenge this here:
With my previous home I was in a similar situation, & found we were being charged for the next higher band rate. This was many years ago, & we were able to show the price we'd initially paid for our home to prove we were wrongly paying the higher rate. It seems you also have documentation. Apologies if you've already tried this.
I think @Thunderbird - that whilst everything is clear to you, & we all believe you, as you have posted in several places about the problems you face, it's not as clear to some of us as it is to you.
Try poppy's advice of seeking some local advice:
to see if there's a Welfare Rights Office able to help, or, if you now have a new MP, approach them. Put everything in writing, keeping it as clear & concise as possible laying out just the facts.
Posts are closed @WhatThe when members don't adhere to the House rules, or when it's wise to do so at the online moderators discretion. I do so wish that comments that are personal attacks (without any foundation) would also be quickly removed.
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I wasn't going to comment again on this thread but I have some thank you's to give so that's the reason for my return here.
@Catherine21 @AKR @MW123 thank you all for your kind comments and your support, it means a lot. It's members like yourself and the wonderful friends I've made here that encourage me to return each day.
Some people can be really harsh and it's very upsetting. I always say you should treat people the way you want to be treated yourself.
Edit to add a thank you to @chiarieds too, I didn't see your comment before I posted.
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The kindest people are ones who help others and ask for noting in return pretty special if you ask me x
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